Flashing Lights (Welcome 2010!)

There was no elaborate countdown. No ball dropped. In fact I only realized that the new year had begun when I noticed that I was alone in the room. I followed the voices in the distance to the balcony where everyone had gathered and immediately I saw what had drawn them all there.

Brilliant and vibrant lights exploded all over the city of Dakar. Colorful bursts lit up the night sky in all directions. It appeared as if a competition of sorts was taking place. Fireworks from the east would be met with a showing from the west and then outdone by an amazing display from the north. The stunning light show blazed into the sky all around me, a sure positive omen of the year to come.